Mercey Hot Springs and Pinnacles 2006


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PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT The Pinnacles, established in 1908, now encompasses 24,265 acres in the southern Gabilan Mountains straddling Monterey and San Benito Counties. The origins of the spectacular rock formations date back more than 23 million years to the Neenach Volcano that erupted near present-day Lancaster, California. The San Andreas Fault split the volcano in two and the Pacific plate carried the Pinnacles to its current location. Water and wind erosion over the eons formed the unusual rock structures seen today. › More info about the Pinnacles National Monument

Rendezvous with Dennis Renault (from Monterey) at Paicines enroute to the Pinnacles


Tiny stone visitor center	Red rock formations on the Rim Trail


Passing large boulders on the Rim Trail


A cowhead rock	Dramatic bark pattern on a manzanita


Rich and Dick take in the view from a huge outcropping


Views from the Rim Trail


Rich peers over the Rim Trail	Huge talus rock wedged into a canyon


At the Bear Gulch Reservior -- note neat Inca-like stone dam


Trail winds down into the Bear Gulch Talus Caves below the dam


Entry into Bear Gulch Cave


Pinnacles is a hot-bed for rock climbers


At the Pinnacles Campground	Musubi's big cousin


It's chow time!!


Hot cha cha in the morning takes the chill off	Frank has a light dinner salad

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